Thank you to today's sponsors!

- The Invasive Species Centre: Protecting Canada’s land and water from invasive species
- SAIL: The Ultimate Destination for your Outdoor Adventures
- J&B Cycle and Marine: Your Home for all things powersports, boats, and equipment
- Freedom Cruise Canada: Rent the boat, own the memories

- Anglers Leaderboard: Real-time AI angling platform where everyone is welcome, and every catch counts!

Is “micro fishing” the next big thing in angling?

In this episode of Outdoor Journal Radio, we sit down with Dr. Steven Cook from Carleton University to explore one of the most unusual fishing trends we’ve ever discussed: anglers targeting the smallest fish in the ecosystem on purpose.

We dive into:
• What actually defines a “game fish”
• Why species like bowfin and carp deserve more respect
• The strange rise of micro fishing and species collecting
• How tournament anglers really make decisions on the ice
• What invasive carp do in winter
• And whether pike should ever be considered invasive

Plus, we break down a fascinating study on how anglers make decisions during competition — and why even experienced fishermen can be swayed by dock talk.

If you love fishing science, fisheries management, conservation talk, and the occasional bizarre twist in the angling world, this is an episode you don’t want to miss.

Subscribe for more conversations about fishing, conservation, freshwater science, and the stories behind the sport.

Thank you to today's sponsors!

- The Invasive Species Centre: Protecting Canada’s land and water from invasive species
- SAIL: The Ultimate Destination for your Outdoor Adventures
- J&B Cycle and Marine: Your Home for all things powersports, boats, and equipment
- Freedom Cruise Canada: Rent the boat, own the memories

- Anglers Leaderboard: Real-time AI angling platform where everyone is welcome, and every catch counts!

In this episode of Outdoor Journal Radio, our scheduled guest canceled at the last minute — so we pulled back the curtain instead.

From celebrating Season 40 of The Fish’n Canada Show to breaking down how long it REALLY takes to film an episode, the boys dive into the truth about fishing television. How many fish never make it to air? Do shows really film for days to get 22 minutes? And how different is YouTube from traditional broadcast TV?

We also cover:
• The Idaho poacher who literally left his address on deer remains
• The reality of conservation enforcement and invasive species
• Grass carp updates and why anglers need to stay informed
• How YouTube is changing the way fishing content is consumed
• Honest reflections on 40 years in the outdoor industry

Plus, a listener question sparks one of the most honest discussions we’ve ever had about what viewers don’t see.

Thank you to today's sponsors!

- The Invasive Species Centre: Protecting Canada’s land and water from invasive species
- SAIL: The Ultimate Destination for your Outdoor Adventures
- J&B Cycle and Marine: Your Home for all things powersports, boats, and equipment
- Freedom Cruise Canada: Rent the boat, own the memories

- Anglers Leaderboard: Real-time AI angling platform where everyone is welcome, and every catch counts!

In this episode of Outdoor Journal Radio, Ontario Minister of Natural Resources and Forestry Mike Harris Jr. joins the show for a wide-ranging and candid conversation that every angler and boater should hear.

The discussion covers real-world fishing and boating issues across Ontario, including confusion around single barbless hook regulations, treble hook definitions, immediate release laws, fly fishing only waters, and recent changes to pleasure craft licensing. The crew also digs into conservation officer enforcement, invasive species threats, and how new technology like drones is being used for both safety and conservation.

This episode goes beyond headlines and gets into the details that affect everyday anglers, hunters, and outdoor enthusiasts across the province. Whether you fish northern fly-in lakes, southern Ontario rivers, or the Great Lakes, this is a must-listen conversation about access, conservation, and the future of fishing in Ontario.